What better way to see a battle than to see one with t-shirt designers, music, art, culture?!?! Yes, that’s right, t-shirt designers! My name is Vernon Robinson the Founder and Creative Director for the Battle of the Tees – Chicago. In our first installment, Battle of the Tees - Chicago, we will merge all of these activities into one unique and culture filled event.

Ten years ago, I attended my first Madhatter’s Ball, and it was unlike anything I had ever experienced! Lights, music, fanfare, and hats galore! Not only is this annual event an incredible spectacle, but the people I have met over the years through Lookingglass have become lifelong friends. The theatre brings extraordinary plays to the people of Chicago, and consistently engages our diverse community through talk-backs, volunteering, and educational outreach. I hope you will join me in supporting this wonderful organization of remarkably talented and caring people who create beautiful art, educate Chicago youth, and throw awesome parties!

With so many fun events going on in our busy city it can be difficult to decide what to do. If you are bombarded by events and feel your friends pulling you in different directions, think no more! What if I told you, that you could experience a concert, art exhibits, and philanthropy all in one place? You are invited to The Evening Associates and The Art Institute of Chicago’s third annual fundraising celebration—Night Heist.

Spring is here and our city is filling up with bar crawls, foodie tours and wine tastings. For those who would rather get their caffeine fix, pay attention because this event is designed just for YOU! The Caffentures present the first-ever coffee crawl/workshop in the history of Chicago—The Blue Line Coffee Crawl.

Hey Chicago performing arts community! This is Lily Liu, President of Lily’s Talent Agency and President and Founder of Foundation of Artists Mentored in Entertainment (F.A.M.E.), 501 (C)(3). I want to tell you about F.A.M.E.’s 2nd annual fundraiser An Evening of FAME on May 22, 2013 at 6pm at Columbia College.

On November 2nd, a fabulous ball will be held to commemorate and honor one of the art communities’ most valued and respected “outsider” artist. Cleo F. Wilson, a founding member of Intuit and former Executive Director of the company, also spent 25 years at Playboy Foundation while using her powers for good around the Chicago art community to inspire and encourage those around her. The philanthropist and art activist will receive the 2012 Visionary Award for her respected achieved efforts that have helped make Intuit the organization it is today. The organization I’m talking about is of course Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art. At Intuit, they strive to spread their mission of nurturing outsider, self-taught, and unconventional artists. The organization believes in all kinds of artists – whether they are outside of the normal realm of artistry, are self-taught artists or are classically trained.

For over 3 years now we at Rockit Ranch have shared our platform with up-and-coming talent of all kinds in Chicago, showcasing them right here on aChicagoThing.com, to give our city's potential future entertainers a celebratory & supportive boost toward a quicker & more successful entry into the Art, Culture & Entertainment industry in our city & beyond!